If this summer marks the return of the Hamptons benefit party in full flower, flowers are also receiving their due in the social mix. In addition to the return of Guild Hall's Garden as Art tours (see related article), LongHouse Reserve will hold its 11th Planters On + Off on Saturday.
Taking on the judging responsibilities for the planters this year will be David Netto, who will bring fresh eyes and perspective to the show, as he hasn't previously judged it. He is a designer and author of books and articles related to architecture and design and their history, including a book coming out this fall devoted to his own designs.
Mr. Netto's father, Eldo Netto, owned Cowtan and Tout, the fabric house that holds the archive of Jack Lenor Larsen, the founder of LongHouse and an innovative fabric designer in the original heyday of midcentury modern. Although one might assume a long history might have evolved from that connection and mutual long ties to East Hampton, Mr. Netto said last week that wasn't the case.
He recalled meeting Larsen, who died in 2020, at an event hosted by Luly Duke at her house in East Hampton, "probably for the fireworks or a LongHouse benefit she was doing." Having "fully expected to have an intimate conversation about the textile business," he was taken aback to learn that Larsen "had no idea who my dad was. So that sort of went splat."
Nonetheless, he is grateful for the presence of significant gardens like LongHouse and the Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack, which was the vision of Robert Dash, an artist and poet. "These substantive gardens that were bequests of philanthropy . . . are products of a time when certain sorts of artistic people could buy that land and do these incredible projects without thinking of the money that they were passing by."
Today, "we wouldn't get these gardens, because the value of the land is irresistible, to develop or to sell. . . . It would just never happen again." Although gardens like LongHouse are "wonderful and cherished in the life of the town," as the town's character changes, they also "stand for another time, when East Hampton was just a beautiful place."
Mr. Netto came on board at the behest of Deborah Nevins, the LongHouse garden committee chairwoman and someone he has worked with on several projects. "She's the best. She's the dean of American landscape design, and when she calls you, you do what she wants to do."
He said he is inspired by "Mrs. Miniver," the William Wyler film set in England at the time of World War II. In it Lady Beldon judges an annual rose competition that she inevitably wins. In a surprise turn, she gives the award to the station master, telling him he is a man of spirit. He is soon killed in a Luftwaffe raid.
"And I just think my presentation of the award is going to be as moving as that in the context of planters on the ground or off the ground," he said, his voice breaking a bit to stifle a chuckle. Even if he doesn't steal Lady Beldon's line when giving out his awards, he said, "I'll be looking for spirit, aesthetics, anything related to creation."
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., when guests can enjoy cocktails and music while touring the exhibitions, designed by a diverse group of gardeners, landscape designers, and artists such as Monica Banks, Scott Bluedorn, Elizabeth A. Lear Landscape Associates, Harvest and Bloom, LaGuardia Design Group, Landcraft Environments Ltd., Marders, Hope Sandrow, Studio Melrose, Summerhill Landscapes, and Nico Yektai L.L.C. At that time those attending can cast votes for their favorites.
At 6 p.m., the winners will be announced, with Mr. Netto delivering his prizes as well. Admission is $40, or $30 for members. Registration and a full list of participants can be found on the LongHouse website.
